iPhone 7 release date rumours, new features and images: iPhone 7 'gets super-toughened screen with built-in Touch ID sensor'

When is the new iPhone 7 coming out? What new features and design changes can we expect in the iPhone 7? And will it even be called the iPhone 7?

The iPhone 7 is already a hot topic, even though the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have only been out for a few months. You may be surprised by how much speculation there is about the iPhone 7 already: rumours about the iPhone 7's release date, its design, specs and features, and even its name.

In 2015 we're sure to see a next-generation iPhone. But what will the new iPhone 7 (or perhaps iPhone 6s or simply 'New iPhone') be like? What new features can we expect in the iPhone 7? And when will the iPhone 7 come out? We round up the evidence to bring you everything there is to know about the iPhone 7 so far.

Bookmark this page and come back regularly for the latest iPhone 7 information, clues, hints and rumours, as well as any leaked photos of the iPhone 7 that emerge; we'll update the article whenever we hear any worthwhile new information on the subject.

Main sections in this article:

• Introduction: What is the iPhone 7?
• iPhone 7 launch date rumours
• iPhone 7 specification rumours
• iPhone 7 new features rumours
• iPhone 7 design rumours (updated, 13 Feb, with rumours about a super-toughened glass screen with a built-in Touch ID sensor)
• iPhone 7 images and videos: leaked images, concept illustrations etc

If you're looking for information about the current iPhones, by the way, visit our iPhone 6 review and iPhone 6 Plus review, and our comparison article: iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus. You can also read about the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6c release date and rumours.

Plus, find out what's in store for the rest of this year: Apple rumours and predictions for 2015

iPhone 7 rumours: What is the iPhone 7?

Sorry if that sounds obvious, but it's not as simple a question as it sounds. The iPhone 7 isn't the seventh iPhone (the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were the ninth and tenth iPhones respectively, so that ship sailed a long time ago) but it's what we are for convenience calling Apple's next large-screen (phablet-form) iPhone launch.

At the moment Apple sells iPhones in three sizes: with 4-inch screens (the iPhone 5cand iPhone 5s); with a 4.7-inch screen (the iPhone 6) and with a 5.5-inch screen (theiPhone 6 Plus). We're currently working on the basis that Apple will make at least one new model in all three sizes, and for now we're choosing to call those theoretical devices iPhone 6c, iPhone 6s and iPhone 7.

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(However, an anonymous source in Apple's supply chain recently claimed that the company isn't currently planning to make another 4-inch iPhone. We're not sure about that - and think it would be a mistake for Apple - but you can read more about the rumour in our iPhone 6c round-up.)

iPhone 7 rumours: What will the next iPhone be called? Will it be iPhone 6s or iPhone 6c instead?

Before we get on to specs and other technical details, one of the first things we want to address is the name of the next iPhone. If Apple sticks to its traditional naming conventions, then it's more likely that the 2015 iPhone will be called the iPhone 6s instead of the iPhone 7. (This could be accompanied by a cheaper iPhone 6c.)

However, it's been rumoured for a few years now that Apple is considering dropping the 'S' naming convention (and the more recent 'C' convention), as it's beginning to be perceived negatively. After all, it does make it seem like it's not a completely new device, but rather a stepping stone to the next iPhone.

We won't know what the next iPhone is called until Apple confirms it, of course.

Another option that's been proposed by keen Aple followers is that the iPhone 7 will be called the iPhone Air, following the example of the MacBook Air and iPad Air lines. But that's a bit wacky for our tastes.

iPhone 7 release date rumours: When is the iPhone 7 coming out?

If Apple sticks to its traditions, we can expect the iPhone 7 to arrive in mid-September 2015. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were unveiled on 9 September 2014 (and released to the public on 19 September); the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5swere unveiled on 10 September 2013; the iPhone 5 was unveiled on 12 September. There's a pattern there. 

How to cool down a hot phone with Coolify

Whether you’re pushing your Android device to the limit by playing some of the latest games or just using it for extended periods of time, you’ve probably noticed that it gets a little hot.  Well, if you’re not trying to use your smartphone or tablet as a replacement heater during the winter, you might be interested in giving out Coolify a test and help curb your overheating issues.

Overheating will not longer be a problem with Coolify! / © Google / Coolify

The best antivirus apps for Android

Considering the frequency with which malware scams in the Google Play Store are being reported, we thought it was about time to drop a list of the best antivirus apps for Android. Whether you are looking to protect your phone from theft, or a trojan, these are our top picks for all your Android security needs. 

What are the best Antivirus apps for Android? ©  ANDROIDPIT

AVL 

AVL antivirus won an AV-TEST best protection award in 2013 for its security performance on the Android operating system. While it doesn't include some of the more advanced anti-theft features that can be found in similar apps, for your basic protection needs, it is not only one of the most secure, but also one of the least likely to impact your battery or damage performance. AVL comes highly recommended. 

AVL antivirus may not have all the bells anbd whistles but it's a lean, clean virus fighting machine.© AVL Team

AVLINSTALL

CM Security

Another award-winning security option, CM (or Clean Master) security provides some of the best malware protection possible on Android. It helps that Cheetah Mobile is a research company in its own right, producing credible reports on the state of the Android platform with regard to all things "scam", but its dedicated app is fast and comprehensive too. 

• Best Android browsers: 5 of the most secure and private to surf the net

CleanMaster Security knows its business because they research malware for a living. © Cheetah Mobile

CM Security AppLock AntivirusINSTALL

Mobile Security & Antivirus

Bitdefender's Mobile Security and Antivirus app comes with a wealth of security options beyond the traditional "virus scan" feature, and also integrates with current Android Wear smartwatches pretty nicely. It's not exactly cheap, as far as Android apps are concerned; after the initial 14-day trial period runs out you'll have to shell out 14.95 USD per year for the service. However, if you want a "future proof" Android security app, and a peaceful night's sleep, Mobile Security and Antivirus could be your best option.

Bitdefender may cost a few bucks, but it'll even protect your smartwatch. © Bitdefender

Mobile Security & AntivirusINSTALL

AVG Antivirus Security

AVG Antivirus is a free application that protects your smartphone in real time from viruses, malicious applications and other spyware. You can review your applications but also your files, settings and more. There's even an option to close apps that are significantly slowing your smartphone down or abusing your battery. Also, if you lose your device, you can block or delete your information and locate your device via Google Maps.

AVG is a well known name in antivirus, and you can wipe your device remotely if necessary. © AVG

AntiVirus Security - FREEINSTALL

Norton Security Antivirus

Norton Security Antivirus is a completely free application that removes malware and viruses before they can reach your device, thanks to a meticulous scanning your system and installed applications. You can also scan your SD card to ensure that your data stored there is not compromised. Finally, the application provides the ability to lock your device remotely via SMS in case of loss or theft.

• Is antivirus software necessary for Android?

Norton Mobile Security is a one-stop shop for, you guessed it: mobile security. © Norton Mobile by Symantec

Norton Security and AntivirusINSTALL

avast! Mobile Security

With avast!, it is also possible to perform automatic scans of your installed apps, the contents of your memory card as well as apps that you are about to install. avast! also has SMS/call filtering and blocking and in the case of theft, there's also remote lock and wipe options, GPS tracking, siren alert and even a notification if someone attempts to switch out SIM cards. Other features present include a firewall, web shield and network meter.

avast! is literally jam packed with security features and options. © avast! Software

Mobile Security & AntivirusINSTALL

Lookout Security and Antivirus

In the free version of Lookout, you will find protection against malicious apps, spyware and Trojans. Before installation of new apps, Lookout can perform a rapid analysis to ensure that the app does not contaminate your phone and also that it won't infect your laptop or PC when you connect via Bluetooth or USB. Lookout can also scan your SD card and protects your device in case of theft. But what makes Lookout stand out from the bunch is the ability to backup and restore your smartphone data.

Lookout lets you backup and restore your precious smartphone data as well as protect it. © Lookout Mobile Security

Lookout Security & AntivirusINSTALL

Avira Antivirus Security

Avira manages all the basics like the others, with protection from malicious apps, malware, viruses and Trojans. You can also track a lost smartphone, remotely lock or wipe it and provide someone who innocently finds your device with a one-button ''report found'' option. Avira scans your apps when you first launch the app, then every time you install a new one or update an existing app but you can start a manual scan anytime you like. Virus definitions are updated regularly over the air. You can also block bothersome numbers from calling or texting you.

Avira even lets you blacklist bothersome phone numbers! © Avira

Avira Antivirus SecurityINSTALL

Special mentions should also go out to Dr Web, who recently discovered the self-replicating malware affecting over 300,000 smartphones and Panda Security who uncovered the premium SMS service scam that piggybacked on WhatsApp.

Free Antivirus and SecurityINSTALL

Dr.Web v.9 Anti-virus LightINSTALL

Have you ever suffered from a virus, Trojan or malware on your Android? What is your favorite antivirus app and why?

100 best free Android games 2014

The games your Android device deserves

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And that means more free Android games. There's a lot of junk out there but, fortunately, there are gems among the junk.

We've worked our way through a whole load of Android games to reveal the ones you should download to your phone.

So without delay, here is our pick of the 90 best free Android games available.

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